The TCL 30 XE has a bad screen, skimpy storage, lackluster camera, and runs a version of Android that\u2019s nearly two years behind everyone else. It\u2019s basically a slightly cheaper, slightly worse version of the Samsung Galaxy A13 5G that only works on T-Mobile. But it\u2019s $200, and at that price, it\u2019s about the best phone you can get. <\/p>\n

For a $200 phone, the 30 XE 5G\u2019s day-to-day performance is snappier than I expected. That\u2019s also a low price to pay for 5G service on T-Mobile\u2019s very good network. These things make it easier to forgive the 30 XE\u2019s weak points because it does what a good budget phone should: it just works. If you really want 5G, are paying full price, and need to keep costs down, it\u2019s the best you\u2019re going to get on T-Mobile. But if you\u2019re eligible for one of your carrier\u2019s \u201cfree\u201d phone offers, there\u2019s certainly a better option among them.<\/p>\n